Volunteer in Ravenswood

From pouring beers at street festivals to supporting local food pantries, there are countless ways to show up for Ravenswood and the people who make it special. By coming together in giving their time, neighbors help feed and clothe people in need, keep our greenspaces clean, and host events that celebrate our community.

Be Part of the Festivals That Bring Ravenswood Together

Every summer, thousands of people gather in Ravenswood for festivals that celebrate local music, art, small businesses, craft beer, and neighborhood culture. Behind every great event is an incredible team of volunteers helping make it happen.

Whether you’re pouring beer at Ravenswood On Tap, welcoming guests to the Ravenswood ArtWalk, or helping set up for Feel Good Fest, volunteering is one of the best ways to meet people, support local nonprofits, and experience Ravenswood from the inside.

GRCC and our nonprofit partners rely on more than 350 volunteers annually to help bring these community events to life!

Local Nonprofit Organizations

We field regular requests for volunteers from a number of amazing local nonprofit organizations and community groups, and we pride ourselves in connecting them to passionate Ravenswood residents.

We actively promote our local nonprofit groups for Giving Tuesday each year. An updated list of volunteer and donation opportunities is published on our website and in newsletters to help connect neighbors and businesses to organizations doing great work.

Looking for more ways to get involved? Browse our chamber directory of local nonprofit organizations.

Opportunities in the Community

Community Greening: Volunteer with the Ravenswood Community Council

From Spring to Autumn, the Ravenswood Community Council organizes a number of ways to get involved with neighborhood gardens and greening programs. We primarily maintain the Berteau Greenway Bioswales and the Lawrence Avenue Bioswales. We are always in need of volunteers to help us maintain the bioswales by remove litter and debris. We can also connect you with organizers of the Montrose Metra Community Gardens and the Bowmanville Gateway Gardens for further opportunities. Learn more about community greening and parks in Ravenswood.

Volunteer with the Ravenswood Neighbors Association

As a community group run entirely by volunteers, the Ravenswood Neighbors Association (RNA) could not accomplish everything they do without the help of neighbors. Their volunteers have helped organize and run events, plant native gardens, serve as block captains, and develop new programming like their walking group and young parents meetup.

RNA wants to focus on finding more ways to engage with neighbors and encourage more volunteering and leadership development among members. You’re invited to complete the form below to share more about yourself, how you’d like to get involved, and what your priorities are for the neighborhood. Learn about how to get involved by visiting their volunteer page.

Support Local Art & Greening Projects

Volunteer at Community Events

For our signature annual events, like Ravenswood ArtWalk and Ravenswood On Tap, we rely on the support of our community to help us staff our entry gates, sell tickets, and serve beer. Proceeds from our events fund small business support and community programming from the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce (501c6), and public art and placemaking projects from the Ravenswood Community Council (501c3).

Raise Funds With Us: GRCC’s Nonprofit Giveback

We also partner with local non-profit organizations who are interested in fundraising through our larger festivals. In return for each shift their volunteers cover, we offer a monetary donation to the nonprofit they represent. GRCC has helped to raise tens of thousands of dollars for organizations like Montrose Metra Community Garden, The Friendship Center Food Pantry, the Bowmanville Community Organization, Common Pantry, Friends of Ravenswood Elementary, Friends of Amundsen High School, and even the Mather High School Cross Country Booster Club!

To learn about how your organization can partner with future festivals, contact GRCC Director of Events & Marketing Amy Czarkowski.